While balancing a chemical equation, what must not be changed?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: Chemical formulae of reactants and products
The chemical formulae of reactants and products must not be changed during balancing, because changing a formula changes the substance itself. Only coefficients placed before formulae are changed so that the number of atoms of each element becomes equal on both sides. For example, \(\mathrm{H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O}\) is balanced as \(\mathrm{2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O}\); the formula \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) has not been changed.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
Chemical formulae of reactants and products
Why is this the correct answer?
The chemical formulae of reactants and products must not be changed during balancing, because changing a formula changes the substance itself. Only coefficients placed before formulae are changed so that the number of atoms of each element becomes equal on both sides. For example, \(\mathrm{H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow H_2O}\) is balanced as \(\mathrm{2H_2 + O_2 \rightarrow 2H_2O}\); the formula \(\mathrm{H_2O}\) has not been changed.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Science question. Chapter: Chemical Substances – Nature and Behaviour. Topic: Chemical Reactions and Equations.
